NFL teams charging US for patriotic displays

[Soul_Survivor88]

 

[YOUGOTMOSSED]

ahhh ****. Seems sports teams are being paid by the Department of Defense to stage heartwarming returning soldier reunions and other heartwarming situations at sports arenas. Goodell is doing an investigation and says they will refund the money. Of course our Pats were #2 as far as the worst offenders ($700k), only behind the Falcons. The NFL franchises received the most money out of all the sports. You know our team and Mr. Kraft will be raked over the coals for this.

Can anyone explain to me what the controversy is exactly? I know people will be outraged because the Patriots are involved but I'm not sure I understand what exactly the crime is.

Oh well, I imagine lost draft picks for us and stern reprimands to all of the other teams involved.

 

[PP2]

What's galling to me is that we need charities for our veterans in the first place. The same government that preaches patriotism and holds our military as the standard then fails to provide for them after they've been injured in harm's way.

The failure of this country to care, adequately, for returning vets, especially those with long-term disability or PTSD is downright pathetic. The VA also continues to be severely underfunded; and many of those vets lose their benefits sooner or later.

 

[memento]

Pentagon had priorities straight. They wanted veterans honored. Teams have their priorities straight, they need to maximize revenue.

Look at it a bit differently. Suppose the Pentagon approached teams and asked them to honor the troops, and insisted that the government would not pay the going rate that broadcasters and advertisers pay. Government is bullying private enterprise. There are laws against government confiscation without compensation.

Welcome to the free enterprise system.

Guard spending came as it “was simultaneously requesting additional funds from Congress to cover a more than $100 million shortfall to pay its troops and conduct critical training,” the report said.

Honor and flag ceremonies don't pay the bills, the money should have been reallocated.

 

[dannydyn]

For Kraft's sake, I better hope he donates that money back to the military.

 

[memento]

For Kraft's sake, I better hope he donates that money back to the military.

Kraft probably won't have much problem. It'll be more difficult for the smaller owners.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

If it's a paid advertisement by the US Military for recruiting purposes, then that should be indicated in a manner consistent with the scope of the display.

In this case, there should, it seems to me, be a clear announcement at the beginning and end of whatever ceremony occurs to the effect that "This ceremony has been paid for by the United States Military [i.e., you, the taxpayers in attendance and viewing this in the media] and is intended for the purposes of enhancing the image of the Military and for recruitment purposes. The proceeds have been paid to the New England Patriots organization, which should be contacted for information regarding their size and use."

There should also be signage consistent with the size of the displays on the field; in other words, a few big signs that clearly say something like "Paid Advertisement, brought to you the United States Military," or words to that effect.

If that is done, then people can determine how they feel about it.

Personally, I think it's a reasonable use of a relatively small amount of taxpayer money, but I do think that the Patriots and other teams should donate such proceeds to a related charity of some sort and that all of them should be ashamed of themselves for not being more straightforward about this with their loyal (tax-paying) fans.

 

[primetime]

If it's a paid advertisement by the US Military for recruiting purposes, then that should be indicated in a manner consistent with the scope of the display.

In this case, there should, it seems to me, be a clear announcement at the beginning and end of whatever ceremony occurs to the effect that "This ceremony has been paid for by the United States Military [i.e., you, the taxpayers in attendance and viewing this in the media] and is intended for the purposes of enhancing the image of the Military and for recruitment purposes. The proceeds have been paid to the New England Patriots organization, which should be contacted for information regarding their size and use."

There should also be signage consistent with the size of the displays on the field; in other words, a few big signs that clearly say something like "Paid Advertisement, brought to you the United States Military," or words to that effect.

If that is done, then people can determine how they feel about it.

Do you expect Anheuser Busch to disclaimer that they paid for this stadium banner in order to sell you Budweiser? Why is this necessary?

 

[tasmlab]

The DoD also pays television networks to run their ads. They pay recruiters to go to high schools. I don't see much difference.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Do you expect Anheuser Busch to disclaimer that they paid for this stadium banner in order to sell you Budweiser? Why is this necessary?

No. Because it is reasonable to understand that any commercial banner in a sports venue is a paid placement, like the swoosh logo on NFL gear. It is not reasonable to assume the same for the appearance of soldiers in uniform.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

The DoD also pays television networks to run their ads. They pay recruiters to go to high schools. I don't see much difference.

No doubt. But there it is clear that it is paid for and is so stated.

 

[primetime]

No. Because it is reasonable to understand that any commercial banner in a sports venue is a paid placement, like the swoosh logo on NFL gear. It is not reasonable to assume the same for the appearance of soldiers in uniform.

Why is it not reasonable to believe that jingoistic displays at a commercial event are not done for marketing purposes? Under what obligation is the NFL or Department of Defense to relieve someone of their naivete?

 

[PatsDeb]

Disappointing that the rich sports teams (and it's not just the NFL but all major sports) don't allow these displays for free, but I agree with others that it was recruiting or advertising for the military. Not really a surprise or much of a story.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Why is it not reasonable to believe that jingoistic displays at a commercial event are not done for marketing purposes? Under what obligation is the NFL or Department of Defense to relieve someone of their naivete?

It's taxpayers' money, not part of a corporate advertising budget.